Jason Ard

September 3, 2013

What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?

I’m the owner of Branchline Brewing Co. [in San Antonio, Texas.] I started out as a homebrewer about two-and-a-half years ago, and fell in love with brewing and the chemistry behind it. After about a year of brewing at home I decided that I wanted to open a brewery and started working toward that goal. We have been on the market for about eight months now, and it is the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done.

What’s new at Branchline?

We are putting two of our three year-round beers in 22-ounce bottles. This is our first time packaging our product outside of kegs. We are starting fairly small at about 10 bbls packaged a month. With the new laws changing in Texas, we are also planning to open up the tasting room for regular hours in September.

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?

The people are the best part of the craft brewing community. When we were starting out I could ask an established brewery a question, and would have an answer back the same day. I really enjoy the camaraderie when we all get together and have the opportunity to pour at an event like a beer festival. The customers who enjoy our beer are great too. I can sit and talk to any one of them for hours at a time.

What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?

My time is spent with my beautiful wife and two-year-old daughter. Outside of that I enjoy mountain biking and disc golfing.

What’s your favorite food and beer pairing?

I am a big meat eater, so a nice peppered steak with a good sessionable IPA would have to be one of my favorite pairings.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?

My daughter. She is at the center of every decision my family makes.

What’s your favorite beer that your brewery does not produce?

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is one of my favorite beers, and a go-to beer for almost any event especially now that they are canning. It is a beautifully crafted beer that can be paired with just about anything.

What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?

My wife and I just got back from a trip to San Diego. We both were extremely impressed with the beer selection, and how all businesses supported local beer. I don’t think I saw a macro beer the entire time we were there!

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